Explanation
Ergative systems group sentence roles differently from the familiar nominative–accusative pattern. This reveals that “subject” is not a universally identical natural category.
Example
In an ergative language, the agent of a transitive verb and the other core roles are marked differently.
Counterexample
In German, “ich” in “ich schlafe” and “ich sehe ihn” are both in the nominative case.
Distinction
Not to be confused with the passive voice; ergativity is a systemic orientation pattern.
Effect on thought and perception
It challenges familiar categories of agent and patient and opens up alternative grammatical perspectives.
Resonance
Languages link participants in an event to one another in different ways.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Ergativity“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-103-011. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-103-011The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.